Class overview

6th Grade Orchestra:

No experience is required to join 7th Grade Beginning Orchestra—only a desire to practice daily and improve with the ensemble! I will start from the beginning and will teach you all the basics, from holding your instrument to reading music notation. You will have the choice of violin, viola, cello, or double bass. We will, together, agree on instrument assignments based upon student choice and ensemble needs.

If you have experience, I will need your support and leadership in helping anyone new to Orchestra. We are a team.

The goal of the class is to discover different types of music and develop individual skills before applying them to the ensemble. Instruction will include instrument assembly, care, safety, and maintenance; characteristic tone production; air support; the comprehension, interpretation, and composition of notated music; aural skill development; and understanding the role of the individual in the ensemble, both as musicians and team members.

In addition, students will explore the connections between music and Math, Science, and Technology (MST). This includes understanding the mathematical relationships in rhythm, meter, and harmony; exploring the science of sound, acoustics, and instrument design; and using music technology tools such as digital tuners, metronomes, and recording software to support learning and creativity. These cross-curricular connections deepen students' understanding of music while building transferable problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Your student will have the opportunity to perform with their ensemble, as well as participate in a competition called Solo & Ensemble Contest. This class will prepare students for 8th Grade Orchestra, and students will need to demonstrate their new skills in order to move forward.

7th Grade Beginning Orchestra:

No experience is required to join 7th Grade Beginning Orchestra—only a desire to practice daily and improve with the ensemble! I will start from the beginning and will teach you all the basics, from holding your instrument to reading music notation. You will have the choice of violin, viola, cello, or double bass. We will, together, agree on instrument assignments based upon student choice and ensemble needs.

If you have experience, I will need your support and leadership in helping anyone new to Orchestra. We are a team.

The goal of the class is to discover different types of music and develop individual skills before applying them to the ensemble. Instruction will include instrument assembly, care, safety, and maintenance; characteristic tone production; air support; the comprehension, interpretation, and composition of notated music; aural skill development; and understanding the role of the individual in the ensemble, both as musicians and team members.

In addition, students will explore the connections between music and Math, Science, and Technology (MST). This includes understanding the mathematical relationships in rhythm, meter, and harmony; exploring the science of sound, acoustics, and instrument design; and using music technology tools such as digital tuners, metronomes, and recording software to support learning and creativity. These cross-curricular connections deepen students' understanding of music while building transferable problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Your student will have the opportunity to perform with their ensemble, as well as participate in a competition called Solo & Ensemble Contest. This class will prepare students for 8th Grade Orchestra, and students will need to demonstrate their new skills in order to move forward.

Repertory Orchestra (7th Grade):

Students will continue to develop their instrumental technique, both as individuals and as ensemble members. The students’ musical skills will grow to include six of the twelve major scales, an introduction to minor scales, and Orchestra literature of at least grade II level.

In alignment with Math, Science, and Technology (MST) concepts, students will explore the mathematical patterns found in rhythm, meter, and key signatures, as well as the physics of sound production and acoustics. They will also begin using music-related technology tools—such as tuners, metronomes, digital recording software, and online platforms for practice and collaboration—to enhance accuracy, tone development, and self-assessment.

Instruction will include performances at adjudicated Solo and Ensemble Contest, as well as other performances throughout the year. Successful completion of this class will allow students to advance to 8th Grade Orchestra.

Symphonic Orchestra (8th Grade):

Students will continue to develop their musical skills to include all major and minor scales, an introduction to shifting, as well as Orchestra literature of at least grade III level.

In connection with Math, Science, and Technology (MST) concepts, students will deepen their understanding of the mathematical structure of music—such as scale construction, intervals, and rhythm patterns—while exploring the science behind sound production, acoustics, and resonance on string instruments. Technology will be integrated through the use of digital tuners, metronomes, music notation software, and audio/video tools to support practice, performance analysis, and self-assessment.

Instruction will include performances in adjudicated Solo & Ensemble Contest, as well as other performances throughout the year. By the end of the year, students will have achieved a basic understanding of shifting on their instrument and feel prepared to move on to their High School Orchestra..

Chamber Club Orchestra:

This is an after school club.  Students of all grade levels are welcome to join and will audition in order to join.  Auditions take place after school.  The focus on this club this year will be small ensemble and large ensemble music. We will meet once a week for 2 hours.  This gives students a chance to perform challenging music and work with a smaller group of students such as duets (2), trios (3), or quartets (4).